Sudan: Towards the institutionalization of an African network of journalists for peace and the rule of law with the NGO ANA

In the context of the growing civil and media dynamics on the African continent, Mr. Beki Ben Amer, Secretary General of the international organization « ANA » (Love Our Africa) and the Alliance of African Journalists and Human Rights Defenders, visited Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, in early January 2023 for a strategic working visit. The visit followed an official invitation from the Centre for Studies and Research on the Horn of Africa, aimed at inaugurating a new cooperation that places constructive media and civil society at the heart of the consolidation of peace and stability.

Organized and hosted by the Centre for Studies and Research on the Horn of Africa, the visit featured an intensive programme of intellectual dialogues, academic roundtables and training for Sudanese media professionals. The aim was to develop a common vision to address the political and societal challenges facing the country and the region.

The historic Sharjah Hall of the University of Khartoum hosted the flagship event of the visit: a high-level specialized workshop entitled « The Role of the Media in Strengthening Political Stability in Sudan ». The event was well attended by academics, researchers, thought leaders and content creators. Mr. Beki Ben Amer played an active role in this, in particular through structuring interventions focused on the analysis of the vital link between responsible journalistic practice and the preservation of social peace. He stressed that the press, in transitional contexts, is not content with reporting the facts; it is a safety valve for society and a key driver of national consensus. He also warned of the dangers of rumours, disinformation, hate speech and polarisation, which aim to dismantle the internal social fabric.

In parallel with the workshop, Secretary-General Baki Ben Amer delivered advanced training in « strategic communication » for Sudanese media professionals and journalists in the Sharjah Room of the University of Khartoum. The training focused on the concept of « inclusive media » and its modern functional dimensions, while reviewing contemporary tools and techniques that enable journalists to move from superficial and immediate coverage to producing analytical content that has a positive impact on public opinion. Emphasis was also placed on professional and ethical values governing journalistic practice, including national responsibility, fact-checking, neutrality, and the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The conclusions of this visit and joint activities highlighted the importance of institutionalizing cooperation between the Alliance of African Journalists and Rights Defenders and the Centre for Studies and Research on the Horn of Africa. It is also about building sustainable professional communication networks that allow Sudanese journalists to draw on shared African experiences, in order to consolidate the rule of law and strengthen the foundations of stability in Sudan and the Horn of Africa region.